D.C.’s wine season: Expand your palate

WASHINGTON – I think the best way to learn more about wine is to taste more wine.

During the months of April and May, the D.C. area is filled with opportunities to taste a variety of varietals. If you’re looking to expand the horizon of your wine palate, you’re in luck because wine season in Washington has officially begun.

What: One of the most prominent wine tastings in America makes a stop this year in Washington. The Wine Spectator magazine is sponsoring a tasting that features over 200 wines from 21 different countries that includes rose, white, red, sparkling, fortified and dessert wines. Winery representatives will be on hand to pour wine and answer questions. Many will also offer tastes of their high-end wines. Tickets are $200.

What and Where: If you’re looking to drink well while doing good, then the four-day long Heart’s Delight Wine Tasting and Auction is an ideal way to mix philanthropy and fun. It begins on Wednesday with the United States of Wine celebration on the rooftop of 101 Constitution Ave, NW. The evening will showcase some of the best wines in America, many of which will be presented by owners and winemakers themselves.

Thursday features a series of intimate wine dinners in embassies, restaurants and private homes, each pairing a special chef and winemaker. Friday is the exclusive black-tie Vintners Dinner at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium featuring the First Growth Wines of Ch